Kenmore Washing Machine: drum rubbing
What is this symptom?
Is your Kenmore washing machine drum making a rubbing or scraping noise during the wash or spin cycle? This can indicate issues like worn drum bearings, foreign objects caught between the drum and tub, or an unbalanced load. Addressing these problems quickly can prevent further damage and ensure your machine runs smoothly.
Important Tips for Kenmore Models
- On some Kenmore models (e.g., Kenmore 110 series), a main pulley bolt can back out and cause the pulley to rub against its housing.
Possible Causes
Worn or damaged drum bearings leading to excessive drum movement
How to Identify: Grinding or scraping noises when manually spinning the empty drum, excessive lateral movement of the drum when pushed/pulled by hand.
Part: Drum bearings / tub bearing assembly
Foreign object lodged between drum and outer tub
How to Identify: Intermittent scraping or rattling as drum rotates; noise disappears after removing the object from inside or between drum and tub.
Part: Drum interior gap area
Loose pulley bolt causing pulley or belt rubbing internal parts
How to Identify: Ratcheting or rubbing noises from underside of washer; inspection may show a missing or loose bolt on main pulley (documented on Kenmore 110 series.
Part: Pulley/drive assembly
Suspension/shock absorber or loose counterweights leading to excessive drum motion
How to Identify: Drum moves excessively during spin cycles; banging and rubbing sounds as drum shifts and contacts housing.
Part: Suspension rods/shocks, counterweights
Unbalanced load causing drum to shift and rub
How to Identify: Rubbing/noise occurs only with certain loads; redistributing clothes and balancing reduces or stops noise.
Part: Load distribution inside drum
DIY Solutions
Check for and remove foreign objects
- Unplug washer and open drum door.
- Inspect inside drum and between drum and outer tub for trapped items.
- Use fingers or long tweezers to remove objects.
- Manually spin drum to test noise.
- Reconnect and test with small balanced load.
Balance load and machine level
- Stop cycle and redistribute laundry evenly in drum.
- Ensure machine feet are level on floor; adjust feet as needed.
- Run short spin cycle to test noise reduction.
Tighten loose pulley bolt (Kenmore 110 series example)
- Unplug and pull washer away from wall.
- Remove access panels to reach drive pulley.
- Inspect pulley bolt and tighten if loose; replace bolt/spring washer if missing.
- Reassemble panels and test machine.
- Note: Consult model‑specific manuals for bolt location.
Next step
Choose the next step for drum rubbing
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drum Bearing Kit
Supports the spinning drum and ensures smooth, quiet rotation during cycles.
- Typical part-only price
- $40 - $95
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Estimated time
- 120-180 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Washer Suspension Rod Kit
Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace drum bearings and related seals
Replace suspension/shocks and counterweights
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Balance and level machine regularly: Unbalanced loads that lead to drum rubbing/noise
Frequency: each use -
Check drum and remove trapped items: Noise and wear from foreign objects
Frequency: monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine drum rubbing?
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine drum rubbing myself?
How much does it cost to fix drum rubbing?
When should I call a technician for drum rubbing?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Worn or damaged drum bearings
- Foreign objects trapped between the drum and tub
- Misaligned or damaged suspension springs
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect for foreign objects by removing the front panel and checking between the drum and tub. If found, carefully remove them.
-
Check and replace worn drum bearings. This involves disassembling the washer, which may require special tools.
-
Examine and replace misaligned or damaged suspension springs. This can often be done with basic tools.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
drum rubbing on tub
Recommended purchasing a separate LG front load washer and dryer instead of a stackable unit.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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